One of the men suspected of executing a British soldier on the streets of London was a Muslim convert who became obsessed with Islamic extremism as a teenager, it has been reported.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, was filmed by a passer-by on Wednesday drenched in blood, wielding a meat cleaver and yelling: ‘We swear by almighty Allah we will never stop fighting you.’

He is a British citizen of Nigerian descent who was raised as a Christian but is said to have started becoming interested in Islam when he was 15 before converting in 2003 and telling people to call him Mujahid, which means ‘Muslim who commits jihadist acts’.

Detectives are investigating claims that Adebolajo may have been radicalised after attending meetings of the now banned group Al Muhajiroun.

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The group’s former leader, Anjem Choudary, said he knew Adebolajo and was pictured with him at a protest outside Paddington Green police station in 2007 but said he had not seen him for two years.

He told Metro: ‘I am very surprised if Mujahid did this. He was a very pleasant lad in the days when I knew him.’

Asked if he thought Adebolajo had become radicalised by Al Muhajiroun, Mr Choudary said: ‘If by radicalised you mean Muslims in Muslim countries having a right to defend themselves, to call for Sharia [law], we have those views.

‘But if you are talking about DIY operations as a lone wolf getting British soldiers and chopping their heads off, we don’t advocate that.’

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A Help For Heroes T-shirt and floral tributes in memory of the victim lay on the pavement outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich (Picture: AP)

A 'Help for Heroes' T-shirt and floral tributes in memory of the victim lay on the pavement outside the Royal Artillery Barracks near the scene of a terror attack in Woolwich, southeast London, Thursday, May 23, 2013. The British governmentís emergency committee met Thursday after two attackers killed a man in a daylight attack in London that raised fears terrorism had returned to the capital. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

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Women prepare to lay flowers near the scene of the killing of a British soldier in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

Women prepare to lay flowers near the scene of the killing of a British soldier in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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A woman and her two children (names not given) lay a postcard on floral tributes outside The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich as anti-terror police were today preparing to question the two men shot and injured after the Woolwich soldier killing as details about their backgrounds began to emerge. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 23, 2013. See PA story POLICE Woolwich. Photo credit should read: Max Nash/PA Wire

A woman and her two children (names not given) lay a postcard on floral tributes outside The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich as anti-terror police were today preparing to question the two men shot and injured after the Woolwich soldier killing as details about their backgrounds began to emerge. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 23, 2013. See PA story POLICE Woolwich. Photo credit should read: Max Nash/PA Wire

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The card on a floral tribute is displayed next to a Help for Heroes garment at Woolwich Barracks in London on May 23, 2013, a day after a soldier was killed nearby in an attack by suspected Islamic Militants. Britain's national security chiefs were meeting as counter-terrorism police investigated the murder of a soldier who was hacked to death in a London street by two suspected Islamic extremists. The suspects were shot by police after the gruesome attack and spent the night in hospital under armed guard.AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images

The card on a floral tribute is displayed next to a Help for Heroes garment at Woolwich Barracks in London on May 23, 2013, a day after a soldier was killed nearby in an attack by suspected Islamic Militants. Britain's national security chiefs were meeting as counter-terrorism police investigated the murder of a soldier who was hacked to death in a London street by two suspected Islamic extremists. The suspects were shot by police after the gruesome attack and spent the night in hospital under armed guard.AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images

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A woman blows a kiss as she lays a floral tribute (Picture: AP)

A woman blows a kiss as she lays a floral tribute in memory of the victim outside the Royal Artillery Barracks near the scene of a terror attack in Woolwich, southeast London, Thursday, May 23, 2013. A member of armed forces was attacked and killed by two men on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

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A floral tribute in memory of the victim is seen outside the Royal Artillery Barracks near the scene of a terror attack in Woolwich, southeast London, Thursday, May 23, 2013. The British governmentís emergency committee met Thursday after two attackers killed a man in a daylight attack in London that raised fears terrorism had returned to the capital. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

A floral tribute in memory of the victim is seen outside the Royal Artillery Barracks near the scene of a terror attack in Woolwich, southeast London, Thursday, May 23, 2013. The British governmentís emergency committee met Thursday after two attackers killed a man in a daylight attack in London that raised fears terrorism had returned to the capital. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

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A police officer arranges floral tributes outside the Royal Military Barracks, near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LON001LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

A police officer arranges floral tributes outside the Royal Military Barracks, near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LON001LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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A wooden cross and a poppy, left as a tribute, are seen near the scene of the killing of a British soldier in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERSLuke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

A wooden cross and a poppy, left as a tribute, are seen near the scene of the killing of a British soldier in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERSLuke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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Police officers lay down floral tributes handed to them by members of the public at the scene of a terror attack in Woolwich, southeast London, Thursday, May 23, 2013. The British governmentís emergency committee met Thursday after two attackers killed a man in a daylight attack in London that raised fears terrorism had returned to the capital. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

Police officers lay down floral tributes handed to them by members of the public at the scene of a terror attack in Woolwich, southeast London, Thursday, May 23, 2013. The British governmentís emergency committee met Thursday after two attackers killed a man in a daylight attack in London that raised fears terrorism had returned to the capital. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

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epa03712986 The Regimental flag flies at half mast at Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Headquarters, close to the scene where a soldier was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, south-east London, Britain, 23 May 2013. Two attackers with kitchen knives killed a British soldier on a street 22 May in south-east London afternoon in a case that police were treating as a suspected terrorist attack. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said officers from the counterterrorist unit were leading the investigation into the 'shocking and horrific' slaying in Woolwich, with two people arrested. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

epa03712986 The Regimental flag flies at half mast at Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Headquarters, close to the scene where a soldier was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, south-east London, Britain, 23 May 2013. Two attackers with kitchen knives killed a British soldier on a street 22 May in south-east London afternoon in a case that police were treating as a suspected terrorist attack. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said officers from the counterterrorist unit were leading the investigation into the 'shocking and horrific' slaying in Woolwich, with two people arrested. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

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A police officer holds a floral tribute handed to him by a member of the public to be placed at the scene of a terror attack in Woolwich, southeast London, Thursday, May 23, 2013. The British governmentís emergency committee met Thursday after two attackers killed a man in a daylight attack in London that raised fears terrorism had returned to the capital. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

A police officer holds a floral tribute handed to him by a member of the public to be placed at the scene of a terror attack in Woolwich, southeast London, Thursday, May 23, 2013. The British governmentís emergency committee met Thursday after two attackers killed a man in a daylight attack in London that raised fears terrorism had returned to the capital. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

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A police officer carries an evidence bag containing a knife near the scene of the killing of a British soldier in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

A police officer carries an evidence bag containing a knife near the scene of the killing of a British soldier in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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epa03713364 A woman reacts after leaving flowers outside Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Headquarters, close to the scene where a soldier was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, south east London, England, 23 May 2013. A major police operation was launched on 22 May 2013 after two suspected terrorists murdered a man in the street in broad daylight. Eyewitnesses said the victim was hacked to death, with some suggesting his attackers tried to behead him, before charging at police when they arrived on the scene in Woolwich, south east London. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the victim was a soldier. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

epa03713364 A woman reacts after leaving flowers outside Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Headquarters, close to the scene where a soldier was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, south east London, England, 23 May 2013. A major police operation was launched on 22 May 2013 after two suspected terrorists murdered a man in the street in broad daylight. Eyewitnesses said the victim was hacked to death, with some suggesting his attackers tried to behead him, before charging at police when they arrived on the scene in Woolwich, south east London. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the victim was a soldier. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

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The Union Jack flag flies at half mast over Woolwich Barracks in London on May 23, 2013, a day after the murder of a soldier by two suspected Islamists on a London street nearby. Prime Minister David Cameron vowed that Britain would be resolute against violent extremism following the gruesome murder of a soldier by two suspected Islamists on a London street. After chairing a meeting of security chiefs the day after the soldier was hacked to death in broad daylight, he said Britain's communities would unite in condemning an attack he described as a "betrayal of Islam". AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images

The Union Jack flag flies at half mast over Woolwich Barracks in London on May 23, 2013, a day after the murder of a soldier by two suspected Islamists on a London street nearby. Prime Minister David Cameron vowed that Britain would be resolute against violent extremism following the gruesome murder of a soldier by two suspected Islamists on a London street. After chairing a meeting of security chiefs the day after the soldier was hacked to death in broad daylight, he said Britain's communities would unite in condemning an attack he described as a "betrayal of Islam". AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images

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Soldiers walk outside Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Headquarters, close to the scene where a soldier was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, south-east London, Britain, 23 May 2013. Two attackers with kitchen knives killed a British soldier on a street 22 May in south-east London afternoon in a case that police were treating as a suspected terrorist attack. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said officers from the counterterrorist unit were leading the investigation into the 'shocking and horrific' slaying in Woolwich with two people arrested. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was in Paris for a meeting with French President Francois Hollande, cut short the visit to return to London later 22 May. He called the incident 'shocking' and ordered a crisis meeting to coordinate British government response. British Home Secretary Theresa May led a meeting of the government's emergency response committee, with another meeting planned for 23 May. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

epa03712738 Soldiers walk outside Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Headquarters, close to the scene where a soldier was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, south-east London, Britain, 23 May 2013. Two attackers with kitchen knives killed a British soldier on a street 22 May in south-east London afternoon in a case that police were treating as a suspected terrorist attack. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said officers from the counterterrorist unit were leading the investigation into the 'shocking and horrific' slaying in Woolwich with two people arrested. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was in Paris for a meeting with French President Francois Hollande, cut short the visit to return to London later 22 May. He called the incident 'shocking' and ordered a crisis meeting to coordinate British government response. British Home Secretary Theresa May led a meeting of the government's emergency response committee, with another meeting planned for 23 May. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

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A woman places flowers outside the Royal Military Barracks, near the scene where a man was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. A British soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall

A woman places flowers outside the Royal Military Barracks, near the scene where a man was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. A British soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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Floral tributes, and a T-shirt, are seen outside the Royal Military Barracks, near the scene where a man was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. A British soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall

Floral tributes, and a T-shirt, are seen outside the Royal Military Barracks, near the scene where a man was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. A British soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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A British soldier stands guard outside the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Headquarters, close to the scene where a soldier was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, south-east London, Britain, 23 May 2013. Two attackers with kitchen knives killed a British soldier on a street 22 May in south-east London afternoon in a case that police were treating as a suspected terrorist attack. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said officers from the counterterrorist unit were leading the investigation into the 'shocking and horrific' slaying in Woolwich with two people arrested. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was in Paris for a meeting with French President Francois Hollande, cut short the visit to return to London later 22 May. He called the incident 'shocking' and ordered a crisis meeting to coordinate British government response. British Home Secretary Theresa May led a meeting of the government's emergency response committee, with another meeting planned for 23 May. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

epa03712770 A British soldier stands guard outside the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Headquarters, close to the scene where a soldier was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, south-east London, Britain, 23 May 2013. Two attackers with kitchen knives killed a British soldier on a street 22 May in south-east London afternoon in a case that police were treating as a suspected terrorist attack. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said officers from the counterterrorist unit were leading the investigation into the 'shocking and horrific' slaying in Woolwich with two people arrested. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was in Paris for a meeting with French President Francois Hollande, cut short the visit to return to London later 22 May. He called the incident 'shocking' and ordered a crisis meeting to coordinate British government response. British Home Secretary Theresa May led a meeting of the government's emergency response committee, with another meeting planned for 23 May. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

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Floral tributes, and a message, are seen outside the Royal Military Barracks, near the scene where a man was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. A British soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall

Floral tributes, and a message, are seen outside the Royal Military Barracks, near the scene where a man was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. A British soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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Floral tributes are seen outside the Royal Military Barracks, near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall

Floral tributes are seen outside the Royal Military Barracks, near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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Police officers stand next to floral tributes near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall

Police officers stand next to floral tributes near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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Police officers stand near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall

Police officers stand near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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A police officer stands near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall

A police officer stands near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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Members of the media stand near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall

Members of the media stand near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

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Flowers are left outside the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Headquarters, close to the scene where a soldier was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, south-east London, Britain, 23 May 2013. Two attackers with kitchen knives killed a British soldier on a street 22 May in south-east London afternoon in a case that police were treating as a suspected terrorist attack. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said officers from the counterterrorist unit were leading the investigation into the 'shocking and horrific' slaying in Woolwich with two people arrested. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was in Paris for a meeting with French President Francois Hollande, cut short the visit to return to London later 22 May. He called the incident 'shocking' and ordered a crisis meeting to coordinate British government response. British Home Secretary Theresa May led a meeting of the government's emergency response committee, with another meeting planned for 23 May. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

epa03712767 Flowers are left outside the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Headquarters, close to the scene where a soldier was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, south-east London, Britain, 23 May 2013. Two attackers with kitchen knives killed a British soldier on a street 22 May in south-east London afternoon in a case that police were treating as a suspected terrorist attack. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said officers from the counterterrorist unit were leading the investigation into the 'shocking and horrific' slaying in Woolwich with two people arrested. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was in Paris for a meeting with French President Francois Hollande, cut short the visit to return to London later 22 May. He called the incident 'shocking' and ordered a crisis meeting to coordinate British government response. British Home Secretary Theresa May led a meeting of the government's emergency response committee, with another meeting planned for 23 May. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

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Members of the media stand near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall

Members of the media stand near the scene where a British soldier was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 23, 2013. The soldier was hacked to death on Wednesday by two men shouting Islamic slogans in a south London street, in what Prime Minister David Cameron said appeared to be a terrorist attack. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW MILITARY POLITICS SOCIETY)

Adebolajo was born in Lambeth, south London, in 1985 and then moved to Romford in Essex.

According to school friends, his Nigerian parents became so worried about his behaviour that they moved him from Essex to Lincolnshire in a bid to protect him from being radicalised.

‘He was a Christian. A nice, normal guy,’ one said.

‘All his friends were white and used to go round to each other’s houses all the time,’ a former friend told the Evening Standard.

‘He started getting involved with Islam aged about 15 or 16, and that is why his parents moved him away out of the area. It is utterly shocking to see what he has done.’

Friend Abu Nusaybah said he remembered Adebolajo being distraught hearing about British operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said: ‘Mujahid was a strong character, but I remember years back foreign policy would bring him to tears – then he just went quiet.’

Before Wednesday’s killing, Adebolajo had been seen preaching in Woolwich last week.